Full text: Former President George W. Bush's eulogy for his father

By

UPI Staff

Former President George W. Bush becomes emotional as he speaks at the state funeral for his father, former President George H.W. Bush, at the National Cathedral on Wednesday. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

All current and former living president attended the funeral for George H.W. Bush: from left, President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Barack and Michelle Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton and Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter. Bush's son, former President George W. Bush, gave a eulogy. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo

Former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura Bush, share a moment of levity during the service. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

Dec. 6 (UPI) -- In a personal, and historic, tribute, former President George W. Bush delivered a eulogy for his father and presidential predecessor in a state funeral at the National Cathedral.

Former President George H.W. Bush, the nation's 41st president, died Friday at age 94. George W. Bush served as the United States' 43rd president.

The George W. Bush Presidential Center released the full text of his eulogy at Wednesday's funeral, which was attended by President Donald Trump and all living former U.S. presidents, as well as world leaders.

"Distinguished guests, including our presidents and first ladies, government officials, foreign dignitaries and friends: Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro and I, and our families, thank you all for being here.

I once heard it said of man that 'The idea is to die young as late as possible.' [Laughter.]

At age 85, a favorite pastime of George H.W. Bush was firing up his boat, the Fidelity, and opening up the three 300-horsepower engines to fly -- joyfully fly -- across the Atlantic, with Secret Service boats straining to keep up.

At 90, George H.W. Bush parachuted out of an aircraft and landed on the grounds of St. Ann's by the Sea in Kennebunkport, Maine -- the church where his mom was married and where he'd worshiped often. Mother liked to say he chose the location just in case the chute didn't open. [Laughter.]

In his 90s, he took great delight when his closest pal, James A. Baker, smuggled a bottle of Grey Goose vodka into his hospital room. Apparently, it paired well with the steak Baker had delivered from Morton's. [Laughter.]

To his very last days, Dad's life was instructive. As he aged, he taught us how to grow old with dignity, humor and kindness -- and, when the Good Lord finally called, how to meet Him with courage and with joy in the promise of what lies ahead.

One reason Dad knew how to die young is that he almost did it -- twice. When he was a teenager, a staph infection nearly took his life. A few years later, he was alone in the Pacific on a life raft, praying that his rescuers would find him before the enemy did.

God answered those prayers. It turned out He had other plans for George H.W. Bush. For Dad's part, I think those brushes with death made him cherish the gift of life. And he vowed to live every day to the fullest.

Dad was always busy -- a man in constant motion -- but never too busy to share his love of life with those around him. He taught us to love the outdoors. He loved watching dogs flush a covey. He loved landing the elusive striper. And once confined to a wheelchair, he seemed happiest sitting in his favorite perch on the back porch at Walker's Point contemplating the majesty of the Atlantic. The horizons he saw were bright and hopeful. He was a genuinely optimistic man. And that optimism guided his children and made each of us believe that anything was possible.

He continually broadened his horizons with daring decisions. He was a patriot. After high school, he put college on hold and became a Navy fighter pilot as World War II broke out. Like many of his generation, he never talked about his service until his time as a public figure forced his hand. We learned of the attack on Chichi Jima, the mission completed, the shoot-down. We learned of the death of his crewmates, whom he thought about throughout his entire life. And we learned of his rescue.

And then, another audacious decision; he moved his young family from the comforts of the East Coast to Odessa, Texas. He and mom adjusted to their arid surroundings quickly. He was a tolerant man. After all, he was kind and neighborly to the women with whom he, mom and I shared a bathroom in our small duplex -- even after he learned their profession -- ladies of the night. [Laughter.]

Dad could relate to people from all walks of life. He was an empathetic man. He valued character over pedigree. And he was no cynic. He looked for the good in each person -- and usually found it.

Dad taught us that public service is noble and necessary; that one can serve with integrity and hold true to the important values, like faith and family. He strongly believed that it was important to give back to the community and country in which one lived. He recognized that serving others enriched the giver's soul. To us, his was the brightest of a thousand points of light.

In victory, he shared credit. When he lost, he shouldered the blame. He accepted that failure is part of living a full life, but taught us never to be defined by failure. He showed us how setbacks can strengthen.

None of his disappointments could compare with one of life's greatest tragedies, the loss of a young child. Jeb and I were too young to remember the pain and agony he and mom felt when our 3-year-old sister died. We only learned later that Dad, a man of quiet faith, prayed for her daily. He was sustained by the love of the Almighty and the real and enduring love of our mom. Dad always believed that one day he would hug his precious Robin again.

He loved to laugh, especially at himself. He could tease and needle, but never out of malice. He placed great value on a good joke. That's why he chose [Alan] Simpson to speak. [Laughter.] On email, he had a circle of friends with whom he shared or received the latest jokes. His grading system for the quality of the joke was classic George Bush. The rare 7s and 8s were considered huge winners -- most of them off-color. [Laughter.]

George Bush knew how to be a true and loyal friend. He honored and nurtured his many friendships with his generous and giving soul. There exist thousands of handwritten notes encouraging, or sympathizing, or thanking his friends and acquaintances.

He had an enormous capacity to give of himself. Many a person would tell you that Dad became a mentor and a father figure in their life. He listened and he consoled. He was their friend. I think of Don Rhodes, Taylor Blanton, Jim Nantz, Arnold Schwarzenegger and perhaps the unlikeliest of all, the man who defeated him, Bill Clinton. My siblings and I refer to the guys in this group as "brothers from other mothers." [Laughter.]

He taught us that a day was not meant to be wasted. He played golf at a legendary pace. I always wondered why he insisted on speed golf. He was a good golfer.

Well, here's my conclusion: He played fast so that he could move on to the next event, to enjoy the rest of the day, to expend his enormous energy, to live it all. He was born with just two settings: full throttle, then sleep. [Laughter.]

He taught us what it means to be a wonderful father, grandfather, and great grand-father. He was firm in his principles and supportive as we began to seek our own ways. He encouraged and comforted, but never steered. We tested his patience -- I know I did [laughter] -- but he always responded with the great gift of unconditional love.

Last Friday, when I was told he had minutes to live, I called him. The guy who answered the phone said, 'I think he can hear you, but hasn't said anything most of the day.' I said, 'Dad, I love you, and you've been a wonderful father.' And the last words he would ever say on earth were, 'I love you, too.'

To us, he was close to perfect. But, not totally perfect. His short game was lousy. [Laughter.] He wasn't exactly Fred Astaire on the dance floor. [Laughter.] The man couldn't stomach vegetables, especially broccoli. [Laughter.] And by the way, he passed these genetic defects along to us. [Laughter.]

Finally, every day of his 73 years of marriage, Dad taught us all what it means to be a great husband. He married his sweetheart. He adored her. He laughed and cried with her. He was dedicated to her totally.

In his old age, Dad enjoyed watching police show reruns, volume on high [laughter], all the while holding Mom's hand. After Mom died, Dad was strong, but all he really wanted to do was to hold Mom's hand again.

Of course, Dad taught me another special lesson. He showed me what it means to be a president who serves with integrity, leads with courage and acts with love in his heart for the citizens of our country. When the history books are written, they will say that George H.W. Bush was a great president of the United States -- a diplomat of unmatched skill, a commander in chief of formidable accomplishment and a gentleman who executed the duties of his office with dignity and honor.

In his inaugural address, the 41st president of the United States said this: 'We cannot hope only to leave our children a bigger car, a bigger bank account. We must hope to give them a sense of what it means to be a loyal friend, a loving parent, a citizen who leaves his home, his neighborhood and town better than he found it. What do we want the men and women who work with us to say when we are no longer there? That we were more driven to succeed than anyone around us? Or that we stopped to ask if a sick child had gotten better, and stayed a moment there to trade a word of friendship?'

Well, Dad -- we're going remember you for exactly that and so much more.

And we're going to miss you. Your decency, sincerity and kind soul will stay with us forever. So, through our tears, let us see the blessings of knowing and loving you -- a great and noble man, and the best father a son or daughter could have.

And in our grief, let us smile knowing that Dad is hugging Robin and holding Mom's hand again."

Memorial services honor former President George H.W. Bush

The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a joint services military honor guard followed by family members at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum on Thursday in College Station, Texas. Pool photo by Jeff Roberson/UPI | License Photo

The flag-draped casket is carried by a joint services military honor guard followed by family members. Pool photo by Jeff Roberson/UPI | License Photo

The casket is carried by a joint services military honor guard. Pool photo by Jeff Roberson/UPI | License Photo

The Texas A&M Corps of Cadets salute as they line up on Barbara Bush Drive, an entrance way to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Pool photo by Jeff Roberson/UPI | License Photo

People pay their respects as the hearse arrives on the Texas A&M campus Thursday. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

People pay their respects as the train carrying the casket passes through Navasota, Texas. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

People pay their respects as the train passes along the route from Spring to College Station, Texas. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

The flag-draped casket passes through Magnolia, Texas on Thursday along the route from Spring to College Station, Texas. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

The flag-draped casket of the former president passes through Magnolia, Texas. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

Former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush watch as the flag-draped casket of the former president is carried by a joint services military honor guard on Thursday in Spring, Texas, to a Union Pacific train. At left is Columba Bush and her husband, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and at far right is Barbara Bush and her husband Craig Coyne. Army Maj. Gen. Michael L. Howard, commanding general, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region salutes. Pool Photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

The flag-draped casket is carried by a joint services military honor guard on Thursday. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

People pay their respects as the train carrying the casket of the former president passes along the route from Spring to College Station, Texas. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

People pay their respects as the train passes. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

People pay their respects. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

People pay their respects with a sign that reads "Thank You!" Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

A woman holds a sign that reads "Rest in Peace, George." Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

Family members are escorted as the funeral service concludes at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church on Thursday in Houston. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

Family members and friends pray during the funeral service. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

Former President George W. Bush embraces former Secretary of State James Baker, right, after he gave a eulogy during the funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at St. Martin's Episcopal Church on Thursday in Houston. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

A military honor guard carries the flag-draped casket the former president after the funeral. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

People line the road as the hearse carrying the flag-draped casket heads to the Union Pacific train facility. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

People line the road as the hearse heads to the Union Pacific train facility. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

Nolan Ryan looks back as he arrives. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

Former NBA basketball player Yao Ming arrives for the funeral. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

People pay their respects as the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush lies in repose at St. Martin's Episcopal Church on Wednesday at Ellington Field in Houston. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

The casket of former President George Herbert Walker Bush is followed out of the National Cathedral by sons former President George W. Bush and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush following the funeral of the 41st President of the United States on Wednesday. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo

George W. Bush gets emotional as he speaks at the funeral. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

George W. Bush delivers remarks at the funeral for his father. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

From left, President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter participate in the state funeral for former President George H.W. Bush. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

Former President George W. Bush smiles with former first lady Laura Bush. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

The casket of is followed out of the National Cathedral by sons George W. Bush and Jeb Bush. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo

People line the streets to pay their respects as the hearse with the casket passes by on the way to Andrews Air Force Base. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

People line the streets to pay their respects as the hearse drives by. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

People line Pennsylvania Avenue to pay their respects. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

A woman waves a flag as the hearse containing the coffin of the former president passes by. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

The casket is followed out of the National Cathedral by sons George W. Bush and Jeb Bush. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo

Sons George W. Bush and Jeb Bush watch as the casket of their father is placed in a hearse. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo

The casket is taken out of the National Cathedral. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo

The flag-draped casket is carried by a joint services military honor guard. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI | License Photo

The casket is taken out of the National Cathedral. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo

The former presidents and first ladies read along in the program. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, former first lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalyn Carter attend the state funeral service of former President George H.W. Bush. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo

Former President Barack Obama (R) speaks with former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

From left to right, President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton listen during the funeral. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

George W. Bush shakes hands with his daughter Jenna Bush Hager after she spoke during the funeral. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

Jenna Bush Hager, the daughter of former President George W. Bush, touches the casket of her grandfather, George H.W. Bush, after speaking at his State Funeral. Photo by Andrew Harnik/UPI | License Photo

The flag-draped casket is carried by a military honor guard into the National Cathedral. Photo by Andrew Harnik/UPI | License Photo

The casket arrives for the funeral of former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral on Wednesday. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

A joint service honor guard carries the casket into the cathedral. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

The casket arrives for the funeral. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

A joint service honor guard carries the casket out of the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Shawn Thew/UPI | License Photo

From right, former President George W. Bush, former first lady Laura Bush, Neil Bush and Sharon Bush, stand as the flag-draped casket carrying the 41st president is carried by a joint services military honor guard from the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

Jeb Bush puts a hand on the back of brother George W. Bush (R) as they attend the arrival of the casket at the National Cathedral. Neil Bush is at left. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo

Children, George W. Bush (R), Jeb Bush (C) and Neil Bush and their wives, watch the casket arrive at the National Cathedral. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo

The flag-draped casket is carried from the Capitol. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

The hearse carrying the casket arrives at the National Cathedral for the funeral. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo

Visitors gather before the state funeral at the National Cathedral on Wednesday. Photo by Andrew Harnik/UPI | License Photo

Former Sen. Bob Dole stands, with assistance, to salute the casket of the former president at the Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday. Dole is confined to a wheelchair. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo

Former first lady Laura Bush and former President George W. Bush greet President Donald Trump outside Blair House on Tuesday. The Trumps were paying a condolence visit to the Bush family. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/UPI | License Photo

Bush lies in state at the Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday. Photo by Morry Gash/UPI | License Photo

Sully, the service dog for former President George H. W. Bush, rests in front of the coffin. His next mission will be to work with veterans at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo

Donald Trump, joined by Melania Trump, salutes the casket at the Capitol. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

Donald Trump, joined by Melania Trump, salutes the casket at the Capitol. Photo by Shawn Thew/UPI | License Photo

A military honor guard carries the casket into the Capitol. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI | License Photo

Former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker (L) and former Vice President Dan Quayle (R) await the arrival of the procession. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI | License Photo

George W. Bush and other family members watch as the flag-draped casket is carried by a joint services military honor guard to lie in state in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

A military honor guard team carries the casket into the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Doug Mills/UPI | License Photo

A military honor guard team carries the casket. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI | License Photo

A military honor guard team carries the casket. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI | License Photo

Members of the Supreme Court pause in front of the flag-draped casket. Photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais/UPI | License Photo

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan delivers remarks at a memorial service. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

Pallbearers carry the casket into the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Monday. Photo by Morry Gash/UPI | License Photo

The casket is carried inside the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

The casket is carried up the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Photo by Doug Mills/UPI | License Photo

Former first lady Laura Bush (L) and former President George W. Bush (2nd-L) place their hands over their hearts as the casket arrives at the U.S Capitol. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI | License Photo

A military honor guard team carries the casket into the U.S Capitol. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI | License Photo

George W. Bush watches as the flag-draped casket of his father is carried by a joint services military honor guard to lie in state. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

The hearse carrying the casket arrives at the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI | License Photo

The flag-draped casket is carried by a joint services military honor guard in Houston on Monday. Photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

Members of the Bush family, including former President George W. Bush, arrive for a departure ceremony at Ellington Field in Houston as the casket is prepared for the flight to Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, D.C. Photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

Sully, the yellow Labrador retriever who was Bush's service dog, was at Ellington Field for the departure ceremony. Photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

The flag-draped casket is loaded by a joint services military honor guard onto Special Air Mission 41 at Ellington Field. Photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

Members of the military honor guard walk away after the casket was loaded onto the plane. Photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

A military honor guard marches onto the tarmac prior to the arrival of the remains of the former president. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo

A military honor guard marches toward the plane that would be designated Special Air Mission 41 prior to the arrival of the remains. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo

George W. Bush and Laura Bush are escorted to the plane. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo